Hire the right experts
Make sure you hire licenced builders and contractors that have proven expertise in building homes similar to the one you want. You may like to ask people you trust for recommendations, or interview and get quotes from a variety of general contractors. If possible, look at previous homes they’ve built and talk to the home owners to get an idea about their experience.
Look for a builder that abides by codes of conduct and practice, and search industry bodies such as the Master Builders Association and the Housing Industry Association.
Understand the legalities
Before you or a tradesperson starts work on your building project, contact your local council to find out whether any permits are required. Information on regulations and requirements vary by state, so check the one relevant to you:
Don’t cut corners
Try not to use inferior materials, particularly for fundamentals such as building materials, foundations, floors and walls, wiring and plumbing. It’s easy to change the paint colour on the walls, but making major changes after the building plans are finalised and contracts are signed can increase both your costs and stress levels.
Watch your budget
You should factor in extra funds for unexpected costs and keep in regular contact with your contractor to make sure the building costs are staying on track.
You may like to talk to a lending specialist to help you prepare your finances and discuss our home loan options, including a construction loan. Money is released from your loan in stages, aligned to the different stages in your home build. This can save you money, as you only pay interest on the progress payments made until the loan is fully drawn.
Find the right house for your land
The location, size, shape and slope of your land is an important factor in deciding what home can be built on it. You don’t want your garage on a strange slope, for instance, or a living area that doesn’t get much light.
